grieving
Grieving Through COVID-19
My heart is heavy this morning thinking about the pain the world is feeling right now like no other. Between shootings, killings, virus deaths, and other critical illness related deaths it’s like we can’t get a break.
Grieving has always been a thing we all have to go through but I must say, people can’t imagine the feeling of losing a dear loved one and you can’t see them at the hospital and you can’t hold a service with more than 10 people.
Every bit of a traditional passing is out the window. Having lost my grandmother and aunt within the past few months, it’s extremely tough to process losing a loved one at this time. It literally feels unreal. Big memorial services are postponed. Until when, you ask? We’d like to know too.
I say all this to say. I never understood how much you need your friends during this time of grief. Personally, in my past when a friend lost a loved one I barely knew how to be there. I didn’t know whether to call everyday or let them have space or come over or just let them know I’m praying for them. I’ve come to find that I’m not the only person who struggled with this in the past. And of course none of those are bad ideas but in times like this, you want to show your friend you’re there.
Maybe that friend is you. Maybe you want to show a loved one you care about what’s happening in their life but you don’t know how to.
Granted you will never know how it feels to lose one near and dear until it happens but here’s a few suggestions on how to comfort someone who’s grieving in COVID-19, in my opinion:
Check on them often.
This doesn’t necessarily have to be daily although a daily text could put a smile on there face. Yes, they are going to want to isolate from the world but don’t allow them to make it a habit. It let’s them know you’re thinking about them.
CALL THEM.
Literally pick up that phone and call them. Just start off with some good energy and a good convo. Reminisce about funny memories. It keeps their mind busy on good times.
Send a gift.
There’s nothing like the doorbell ringing and a mystery gift arrives. Whatever you send, send it with love.
Zoom.
Set up a zoom conference full of friends and family. Have a ball sparking up the best of the best conversations.
Cook a meal.
For some odd reason when someone near and dear passes, it’s easy to forget to eat. Your most likely will tell you they don’t need to eat or they’re not hungry but that’s normal. And the still need to eat. Pop up with a meal and leave it on the step. Just make sure you don’t forget the love.
Pray with them.
I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the people that call just to say a prayer with me. It’s so thoughtful and heartfelt.
Listen.
If you receive a call and they’re crying. Let them cry. Don’t feel like you always have to have the right words. Sometimes the feeling of knowing someone cares and listens means everything.
Send them a candle.
Unfortunately many people aren’t able to see their loved one via hospital or funeral so giving them a candle to have a one on one moment can go a long way.
There you have it. It’s not much but those gestures go so far at this time. So if a loved one has recently lost someone and they’ve been on your mind, please be there the best way you can. And remember GIVE THEM GREAT ENERGY. They need it.